My whole front end is uneven. The biggest problem is the cowl panel to the passenger side fender. There is about 3 millimeters of space toward the back nearest the windsheild. The key is though that the bottom bolt under the fender closest to the door is not in. There is a broken bolt stuck there and has been the biggest pain and i have had no success with it. Will it make enough difference when it is in though to raise the fender to the cowl. I already took out some of the washers from the cowl. There were like 4 there. Also the hood is not evening out with both sides. Is it more or less trial an error in getting the hood right or could i be missing something. I took it all apart for three hours today and im going to put it together tommoro but i want to get the spacing right. Trial and error will be my process but anyone else have these probs?
Thanks
Tim

RE your broken bolt, centerpunch the bolt then use a drill bit @ .060 smaller than the bolt to drill it out, then try an easy-out or use a small nail to peel the threads out enough to use a needle nose plier to grab it and twist it out. If that works be sure to run a tap through to clean up the threads. Another option would be a Heli-coil insert. I always put an anti-seize compound on anything I take apart that will see either heat or extended use before it comes off again. As to body panels the only thing I've had off is the hood and even scribing marks on it I had to go back and play with it until I got it just right! Good luck!

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67 Nemesix

tl757:

Yes, you've figured it out! The front end alignment on Camaro's is all trial and error!! Just keep moving things around and shimming until it fits right.

These cars weren't built like a 2000 Lexus!! The fit and finish was definitely 1960's mass production! Your not going to roll any ball bearings around the seams unless you spend a ton of time massaging the panels into place!!

As for that bolt at the bottom, it's important but it wont raise the fender when you install it. To raise the fender, add a shim under the bolt that goes straight down into the cowl area near the hood hinge.

That broken bolt is one of the worst to remove from an old Camaro! The captive nut is a big chunk of steel that is an inch square and about a half inch thick. Most times the easy out method doesn't work because this bolt collects a lot of water over the years and rusts in pretty solid.

The Helicoil may be necessary and in one extreme case, I had to punch this nut out with an air hammer and then rebuild the corner of the cowl with a mig welder!!!

Good luck!!

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Mighty Mouse